The Strain Theory Flashcards
who came up with this theory and what sociological theory does it link to?
MERTON
-functionalism, although Merton disagrees with their points of crime.
what is this theory called, compared to functionalism?
an internal critique
how is the strain theory similar to functionalism?
-shared n+vs and beliefs (value consensus)
-anomie causes crime
what are the differences between the strain theory and functionalism, which makes it more useful?
-Durkheim failed to explain why anomie occurs, while Merton does
-not as rose-tinted, as Merton acknowledges the inequality of meritocracy
what is a strain theory?
a theory that argues that people engage in deviant behaviour when they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means.
when does deviance occur?
when there is a strain between the goals we are encouraged to achieve, and the structure of society that allows us to achieve legitimately.
what are some examples of common goals?
money, house, car, fame, material goods
what are some examples of common means, that are socially approved?
goof qualifications, university, high-paid job
what is the American Dream according to Merton?
-people value wealth and high status
-people are expected to pursue goals through legitimate means.
-dream of ‘Keeping up with the Joneses.’
-however, some people have blocked opportunities and cannot reach these
what is the strain to anomie?
in reality, there is inequality of opportunity and so people experience a strain, leading to people becoming normless.
what are the 5 deviant adaptations to strain?
-conformity
-innovation
-ritualism
-retreatism
-rebellion
explain conformity?
people accept goals and means
explain innovation?
people accept goals but reject legitimate means
explain ritualism?
people reject goals but accept means
explain retreatism?
people reject goals and means
explain rebellion?
people reject goals and means, and replace both with new ones (revolution/change)
-these people are usually political radicals and counter-cultures
what are the strengths of Merton’s strain theory?
-can be applied to modern day
-shows that not everyone reacts in the same way
-explains utilitarian crime, as these are common in official statistics
-acknowledges inequalities
what are the weaknesses of Merton’s strain theory?
-assumes everyone has the same goal
-focuses on WC crime
-only explain utilitarian crime
-only explains crime committed by individuals
-too deterministic, not all WC deviate
-assumes only lower classes commit crime
who came up with the subcultural strain theory?
Albert Cohen
who came up with the 3 types of subculture?
Cloward and Ohlin
what is the subcultural strain theory?
RESEARCH= young WC US boys in 1950s, deliquent
deliquent subcultures help boys, all in the same situation gain a sense of belonging
how is the cohen similar to merton?
-crime is a WC problem
-WC struggle to meet mainstream goals, caused by blocked opportunities
how is cohen different from merton?
-merton fails to discuss non-utilitarian crimes, and doesn’t discuss crime committed by groups
what are the causes of crime according to cohen?
-WC have inability to succeed in MC world
-dominated by MC norms, values and expectations
